Lumen pressure modulation in chicken embryos

Pressure exerted by fluid contained within a lumen plays a crucial role in the growth, morphogenesis and patterning of epithelial organs. Accurate modulation of lumen pressure in the developing embryo requires sensitive and robust methods that can detect and vary pressure in the range of tens to hundreds of Pascals (Pa). Here we describe a simple, cost- effective method for setting up a pressure modulation apparatus combining a high-sensitivity pressure sensor and a water column whose height can be finely tuned. We demonstrate lumen pressure control using the developing brain of early chicken embryos.